The Brief: Is Flying Canada's Ticket to Affordable Transportation?

Aug 19, 2025

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As the world’s second-largest country by landmass, but ranked 188th in population density, Canada depends on air travel as a crucial part of its transportation infrastructure. BCA's economists recently unpacked the issue of why flying costs more in Canada than elsewhere in their latest commentary, so podcast host Scott Crockatt invited former WestJet executive and airline industry expert Richard Bartrem onto the podcast to dive into the findings and hear some of Richard's own insights.

Richard argues that while airline fares have fallen in half, government fees have increased more, and advocates for government intervention to reduce these costs, citing examples like land rent charged to airports by the federal government.

He also highlights the disparity between Canada's approach and other countries that view aviation as an economic driver. The podcast wraps-up with a reflection on the advantages that would come with cheaper and more comprehensive air travel in Canada, including the boost of tourism dollars and the 'GDP multiplier' from a vast and efficient air freight network.

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